This solar-powered home won this prestigious award based on a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index of -2, indicating that the combination of a high-performance building envelope and roof-mounted solar PV array makes the home a net energy producer.

2016 AIA CT Chrysalis Award

The Chrysalis Award is a biennial peer recognition program that highlights AIA Connecticut member firms that are gaining recognition in the general design community through a body of built work and continuing commitment to design excellence.

2016 CTGBC Green Building Residential Award of Merit - Modern Hillside House

The Residential Award of Merit is granted for the successful implementation of green-building strategies, the quality of design solutions, and the overall aesthetics of a project.

the Green Solutions Awards highlight exemplary buildings, districts and infrastructures contributing to the fight against climate change. This is the most recent accolade for this multi-award-winning LEED Platinum and Passive House certified home.

The USGBC's annual LEED Homes Awards recognize projects, architects, developers and home builders who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation in the residential green-building marketplace.

This house, located in Watertown, CT, was one of five projects across the nation to be named a 2015 Housing Innovation Awards Grand Winner. This project’s efficiency achievements were honored at the awards ceremony hosted during the EEBA Excellence in Building Science Conference & Expo in Denver, CO, in October, 2015.

In recognition of the efforts by designers to promote green buildings in Connecticut, the CT Green Building Council (CTGBC) gives out awards annually. Builder Chris Trolle joined Elizabeth DiSalvo of Trillium Architects to accept this top honor in the residential project category.

2014 CT Zero Energy Challenge, 3rd Place - Taft School Faculty House

The Challenge uses RESNET Rating Standards to determine each completed home's HERS Index. The home's HERS Index, coupled with other factors, including the cost effectiveness of the project and the home's total estimated energy use, are utilized to determine the winners.

2014 Morris Media Green Business Award

Architect Elizabeth DiSalvo was one of the first recipients of Morris Media Group's annual Green Awards, which honor individuals, non-profit organizations, and companies committed to green initiatives.

2013 USGBC Award of Merit - Rowayton LEED Gold House

This annual recognition acknowledges projects, architects, and home builders that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation in residential green building.

2012 CTGBC Residential Award of Merit - Darien LEED Platinum Remodel

This gut renovation and addition to a 1925 colonial earned the U.S. Green Building Council's prestigious LEED Platinum certification and the CTGBC Award of Merit.

Trillium Architects is a 7 person, full service, boutique architectural firm specializing in Passive House, Net-Zero and off-the-grid new homes, additions, and renovations. Based in Ridgefield, CT, we primarily work in western Connecticut and New York's Hudson Valley, but we've designed homes all over the country.

In 2015 and 2016 we won awards for Best Energy Efficient Home in the USA from both the USGBC and the DOE, we won a 3rd Place International Innovation award which we accepted at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Morocco 2016, and we won Best Emerging Firm in CT from the AIA in 2016.

With the end goal of marrying beauty, usability, and the cutting edge of efficient design, we strive to always make the client experience of building or renovating their home top notch.

Featured

This project of ours has 8” of insulation (R-40) over the slab on grade. That’s 4 times the requirement in NY! A massive amount of heat can be lost through the slab so it’s just as important to insulate as the walls (Which will also get 6-8” of the same insulation) . Plus, the insulation helps prevent condensation. ~Alex ~Observations from a Jr. Architect

In progress: large format porcelain tile application in this new master bathroom as part of a very minimalist approach to design. The shower area shown here is directly across a tall and wide window looking out to a private and beautifully landscaped backyard. We let nature’s intricacies complement the simplicity of this interior finish. #porcelaintile #minimalistdesign #modernbath

Spring rain helps the summer flowers! However, yesterday’s storm might have washed all the flowers away…While you’re repairing your garden, think of bolstering your number of indoor plants. Plants help absorb off-gassing and trace amounts of VOCs (volatile organic compound) that are sometimes found in construction materials. They also help people breathe better. Nowadays, many conscientious architects and builders are aware of this and can optimize Indoor Air Quality, but for chemically sensitive people and those who can’t build from scratch, the solution could be as simple as a few new palm plants. ~Alex

Planning a new home or addition? Consider insulating concrete forms wherever you plan to add living space. ICFs can improve the comfort of your below-grade spaces and provide savings on a job by combining concrete formwork and insulation into a single step.

Spring is finally here! With all the winter snow and recent rain we don't think much about drought in the Northeast. Here are some interesting thoughts about why we should.https://buff.ly/2KPwrhm

Garage and master suite addition to a shed roof mid century modern.

Here in N.E, Winter has abruptly ended and Spring is here! Many people have been looking to expand their houses with small additions and bump-outs. But don’t forget about that space above the garage! It’s easy to dismiss that square footage as storage but some of my favorite spaces are cozy areas above the garage. They’re perfect for apartments, in-law suites, kid play areas, or a place to escape. ~Alex ~Observations from a Jr. Architect

Spring is finally here! With all the winter snow and recent rain we don't think much about drought in the Northeast. Here are some interesting thoughts about why we should. RT @TheHourNews: Despite 2016 water scare, Connecticut lagging in conservation https://buff.ly/2KbpuWG

Tonight is the night! Elizabeth DiSalvo will be speaking in a panel discussion tonight at 5:30 at Two Roads Brewing in Stratford, CT. Don’t Be Passive, BUILD PASSIVE: Case Studies & Lessons Learned. Stop by and say hi! #PassiveHouse⠀
https://buff.ly/2jIoz4E